Lucian's Greenhouse

In 2012, Lucian told IOM staff members, “I went to Ireland in search of a better life.” From 2006 – 2011, he had worked several jobs but never found stability. Because he was getting older, Lucian could no longer support himself with only temporary jobs in Ireland. He explained, “I was not so young for working abroad.” He decided to return to Moldova to receive support from his family.

Lucian applied for return assistance through IOM’s AVR programme. “I felt good about going home. Like I had nothing to worry about.” With the reintegration grant, Lucian built a small greenhouse on his family’s land where he could grow produce to sell at local markets. He explained that he chose to begin a greenhouse because, “Farming is what I am good at. There is always a demand for home-grown vegetables, and I will offer better quality.”

In 2012, IOM staff in Moldova visited Lucian’s greenhouse to see its progress. Lucian reported that the produce from the small farm is supporting him and his family. Mostly, Lucian was enjoying the opportunity to live with his family in Moldova again.